PAre we train? To eat an extra slice of pizza? To show off a firm body to the sea? No, We do it to feel good and get old in health. The relationship of Italians with fitness has changed, the results of the Exclusive Search for Yougov X Virgin Activepresented today in Milan.
Italians and aging
Eight out of ten Italians They think regularly of their aging. If the strongest concern remains between 35 and 54 years old, the figure on young people surprises: In the 18–34 age group, 22% say they think about it often and to act in a proactive way. Not only that: for 43% of young people between 18 and 34 years old, the right time to start thinking seriously about their longevity is between 20 and 35 years old, a signal of early awareness and a new generational sensitivity.
When it comes to identifying the main levers to live for a long time and healthy, 67% of interviewees indicate a balanced diet, 51% regular physical activity and 49% prevention and medical check-up. Mental health follow (44%) and sleep quality (39%). Women are more sensitive to aspects related to the emotional sphere (51%), while men focus on physical exercise (58%).
Fitness, Longevity objective
Today 64% of Italians practice physical activity at least once a week. But the relationship with fitness is changing: The reduction of stress is today the first reason that pushes people to train (47%)followed by aesthetic objectives (44%) and muscle enhancement (39%). Favorite activities vary by age: over 55 choose walking and runningbut it is also true that courses and activities with high impact, such as Boxing and Functional Training, are among the favorites of the Over 55 members of Virgin Active; The gym grows between 18–24 years, Also for courses and workouts with free body and with weights. Sweet disciplines such as Yoga and Pilates are also on strong ascent.
Looking for balance
According to research, Two out of three Italians associate well -being with a deep and multidimensional concept: a balance between body, mind and spirit that allows you to live in a healthy and satisfying way. This is the definition of “Real Wellness”, which is increasingly affirming itself in a society in which well -being is not measured only in performance, but in the quality of life.
Go Bestrest Sound Bath. (Photo: Virgin Active)
This new vision is reflected in the needs expressed by people. For example, 89% recognize the importance of sleep qualityin particular for Manage stress and anxiety (54%)strengthen the immune system (58%) and improve concentration (49%). The 57% feel the urgency to reduce emotional changes and mental tensionWhile Almost one in two considers stress a daily knot to be faced by dedicating himself to his own mental health.
Also the Nutrition plays a central role: in the first place among the levers perceived to stay healthy for a long time, it is chosen by 65% to maintain the weight and 50% to prevent diseases. And the sociality Instead, it is indicated by about half of Italians as a key to sharing experiences And strengthening self -confidence, while 38% is important to feel part of a community.
Thus, well -being becomes a Integrated system of practices, relationships and awareness. This is where fitness, mind and connections meet. And this is where it is born A new way of training: Not to change your body, but to take care of it every day over time. It is therefore not surprising that in recent years Virgin Active has recorded a Increase in the demand for Balance disciplines and therefore increased the offer by 15% in its 40 clubs. Today, over 40% of the courses offer is oriented towards holistic well -being: Pilates, Yoga, Sound Bath, Postural, Mobility. Also the High intensity training They are evolving: Over 50% of participants are more than 55 years old; A sign that longevity also passes from continuity and strength training.
Fitness and “Real Wellness”
Attention to the false promises of instant weight loss and miraculous training. “For thirty years I lived training as a performance: every day it was a challenge and the effort was often also let Filippo Magnini, world champion and Olympic medal in swimming. «Today, instead, I train to feel good: it’s a step that I made on myselfbut also together with my family, including my parents, to whom I try to convey the importance of keeping active, even with small daily gestures. Training is no longer something reserved only for athletes: it is a space of care that we can all – and we should – cut us out. A message that should be sent immediately to the new generations, more and more aware that the movement is one of the best investments for life ».
Infographic Search Yougov X Virgin Active – Longevity, Real Wellness and Fitness
Training for longevity, 5 expert fitness advice
Longevity is built with small daily gestures, sustainable habits and a lifestyle that puts body, mind and relationships in balance. Here are five guiding principles, according to experts and data collected by Virgin Active.
1. Moving to feel good, not to demonstrate something
Walk, yoga, swimming, Calisthenics, pilates or functional training: performance is not important, but constancy. The goal is to keep the body active and agile as long as possible.
2. Sleep to regenerate yourself, not just to rest
Sleep is the first natural “reset” of the body. It helps to manage anxiety, mood, inflammation, to strengthen the immune system. A good longevity training starts (also) from here.
3. Feeding body and mind with balance
Balanced diet means energy, prevention, lucidity. It is not a question of eliminating, but of choosing consciously. The mind must also be nourished: with stimuli, relationships, curiosities.
4. Share, do not compete
Training in company, attending a space where you feel welcomed, confront a trainer: sociability is a powerful medicine. Even in well -being, the “community” effect makes the difference.
5. Listen to your body, not the fashions
Longevity is not a trend but a path. We avoid the online “miracles”: we choose reliable environments, competent professionals and a personalized approach. The real mellness is the one that accompanies us over time.
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